EU-Ukraine R&D Agreement 2026: Real opportunities for tech companies

Key data

Spanish technology companies and research centers have had a new legal framework since April 2026 to collaborate with Ukrainian partners in European R&D&I projects. The renewal of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and Ukraine, published on April 15, 2026 with reference OJ:L_202600869 [2026/869], formalizes the conditions under which researchers, universities and companies from both territories can participate in joint programs with shared financing.

This is not an obligation or a new cost. It is an opportunity: the agreement opens the door to European project calls in which to participate alongside Ukrainian partners, with the legal and financial backing provided by this type of bilateral frameworks.

What does this regulation establish?

The renewed agreement formalizes the legal framework for collaboration in research, technological development and innovation between the European Union and Ukraine. In practical terms, this means that:

• Researchers from both territories can participate in joint R&D&I programs.
• Academic institutions and technology companies can access projects with shared financing between the EU and Ukraine.
• Spanish entities are enabled to benefit from calls that derive from this renewed framework.
• The agreement is particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine's EU accession process and the country's reconstruction, which may expand the volume and scope of future calls.

This type of bilateral scientific cooperation agreement is the usual instrument used by the EU to integrate candidate countries or strategic partners into the European innovation ecosystem, even before their formal accession. The renewal means that the previous framework is maintained and updated, providing continuity to already established relationships and opening new possibilities.

Economic and operational impact

For Spanish companies and research centers, the impact of this agreement is one of opportunity, not cost. It does not generate new obligations or fees. What it activates is access to European financing calls in which Ukraine can participate as an eligible partner.

The main operational effects are:

• Access to new calls: European R&D&I projects that include Ukraine as an eligible partner can generate shared financing for participating Spanish entities.
• Expansion of the partner ecosystem: Technology companies can incorporate Ukrainian partners into their European project consortia, which can improve the competitiveness of their proposals.
• Reconstruction context: Ukraine's EU accession process and the country's reconstruction generate significant demand for technology, innovation and knowledge transfer, which can translate into concrete contracts and projects for Spanish companies in the sector.
• Risk of inaction: Companies that are not alert to calls derived from this framework may lose financing opportunities to more agile European competitors.

Who does it affect?

The agreement directly affects the following entities:

• Spanish and European technology companies with capacity to participate in European R&D&I projects.
• Research and development centers (public and private) with lines of work in technology and innovation.
• Universities and academic institutions that develop research projects with European financing.
• Researchers who want to collaborate with Ukrainian counterparts in joint programs.
• Consultants and managers of European projects who advise companies on participation in R&D&I calls.

It does not directly affect companies outside the technology or research field, nor does it generate obligations for the broader Spanish business sector.

Practical example

A Spanish software development company with experience in European projects wants to participate in a call from the Horizon Europe program related to digitalization and critical infrastructure.

Thanks to the entry into force of this renewed agreement, the company can incorporate into its consortium a Ukrainian technology partner —for example, a Kiev university or a cybersecurity startup— without legal barriers to collaboration. The formalized framework allows both entities to access shared project financing, distribute research tasks and share results under the agreement's conditions.

Without this renewed legal framework, the Ukrainian partner's participation could remain in a legal limbo that would hinder the consortium's eligibility. With the agreement in force, the proposal is more solid and competitive compared to other European consortia.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company fits the beneficiary profile: If you develop R&D&I or technology activities and already participate or want to participate in European projects, this agreement directly affects you.
2. Monitor derived calls: Stay alert to calls published under this renewed framework, especially in programs such as Horizon Europe and other European financing instruments linked to Ukraine's reconstruction.
3. Explore the Ukrainian partner ecosystem: Identify Ukrainian universities, research centers or technology companies with which there may be synergies for future joint projects.
4. Review your entity's eligibility: Confirm that your company or institution meets the usual requirements to participate in European R&D&I projects (registration, technical capacity, prior experience if required).
5. Consult with a European project manager: If you have no prior experience in European calls, specialized support can make the difference between submitting a competitive proposal or being left out.